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The First Minister told Holyrood she has no plans to push for another poll in the wake of her party’s stunning general election success. But she demanded the Prime Minister “respects” the massive mandate given to the Nationalists.

At the very least, she wants a fresh look at proposals to boost Holyrood’s powers.

Sturgeon said: “I can’t impose a referendum against the will of the Scottish people but nor can David Cameron rule out a referendum against the will of the people. It will be the people who decide.

“What happens to public opinion on this question in the years ahead will depend not just on what the SNP and the Scottish Government do, but also on the respect shown to the decisions the people of Scotland have made.

“How David Cameron, his Government and the Westminster system choose to respond to the message Scotland has sent will be crucial to how we move forward.”

“However, as a matter of priority, we want to see devolution of powers over employment policy, including the minimum wage, welfare, business taxes, national insurance and equality policy.”

Earlier yesterday, Sturgeon came to an agreement with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on the desire for new powers.

Grahame Smith, STUC general secretary, said they would work with the Scottish Government and other civic organisations “to oppose this unnecessary and damaging new dose of austerity and to instead help build a fairer and more equal Scotland”.